A plug-in devise called BERT sends information to the software, which will help the College better manage usage saving and spending by scheduling machines to turn on and off automatically, depending on when they are used the most. Should a student or faculty or staff member need to use equipment when it is switched off, they can simply press a button to override the shut-off, says Erika Rodriguez of the environmental studies department, who serves on the committee.

The CSC purchased a starter kit from Libertyville-based C-Level Consulting Group, which introduced the College to its Smart Campus Initiative. The kit includes three BERTs and the software to run them. With the help of Facilities Management and Library and Information Technology, one was plugged into the computer counsel in Young 517 and another into the projector in the same room.

“We are hopeful that eventually we can get the College to support us in buying more BERTs and installing them in buildings around campus,” Rodriguez said.

Questions about the program? Contact Jeff Sundberg, chair of CSC, at  jsundber@lakeforest.edu.

Other CSC projects underway:

• Working with Student Government on the Green Roof initiative, funded by the Class of 2012 Class Gift.
• Breaking ground on Middle Campus in the fall to restore the prairie.
• Partnering with the City of Lake Forest to host the annual Arbor Day celebration on campus on Friday, April 25.